On May 7, 2024, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) released a final rule to establish the first federal regulations for adult protective services (APS) programs.
Background on Adult Maltreatment and Adult Protective Services
Research shows that at least 1 in 10 older adults who live in the community experiences some form of maltreatment each year — and this is likely an undercount, because only 1 in 14 cases is reported. We also know that adults with disabilities experience abuse and neglect far more often than their peers without disabilities, although estimates of the prevalence vary significantly from one study to the next.
This can have serious physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences. People who experience abuse have higher rates of depression, hospitalization, and institutionalization — and they are more likely to die prematurely. They also may experience deteriorated family relationships, diminished autonomy, and institutionalization as the direct result of maltreatment.
APS programs across the country support older adults and adults with disabilities who experience, or who are risk of, maltreatment or self-neglect. APS programs investigate reports of maltreatment; conduct case planning, monitoring, and evaluation; and provide (or connect people to) a variety of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, and other protective, emergency, or support services to help them recover.
APS has been funded and administered wholly at the state or local level until recently. Consequently, there is wide variation in APS services and practices between, and even within, states. The new regulations will improve consistency and quality of services across the country.
